PAS: Don’t interfere with Hadi’s Bill
If non-Muslim lawmakers obstruct PAS president’s move to amend Act 355 , then the party will derail the government’s plan to put an end to unilateral child conversion, says PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan.
(FMT) – PAS, out of respect for the non-Muslims, has not interfered with the government’s plan to put an end to unilateral child conversion, said its secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan.
Non-Muslim lawmakers should do the same by staying away from PAS President Abdul Hadi Awang’s attempt to enhance the shariah courts’ punitive powers by amending the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965, he added.
“The Law Reform (Marriage and Divorce) (Amendment) 2016 tabled in the Dewan Rakyat this month is related to the rights of the Muslims.
“It also affects the non-Muslims and we respect that. So all of us must play fair.
“If they (non-Muslims) want to object to a law that will only affect the Muslims, then we (Muslims) can also go against the proposed amendments to the Law Reform (Marriage and Divorce) Act,” said Takiyuddin who is also Kota Baru MP.
Also present at the press conference held at the party’s headquarters were Deputy President Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man and Ikatan President Abdul Kadir Sheikh Fadzir.
The law reform tabled by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Azalina Othman Said saw the inclusion of Section 88A that explicitly states “both parties” in a civil marriage must agree for the conversion of a minor to Islam.
Kadir, in support of Hadi’s Bill, said he had met with several BN leaders, including MCA President Liow Tiong Lai and Gerakan President Mah Siew Keong, to explain what it was all about.
They appeared to be more willing to accept it, when informed that the Bill would only increase a shariah court’s power but not to the point where it would be able to impose hudud punishments, he added.
“They can change their stance once they understand our intention. Anyway, we have three months to explain this to the public.
“When the time comes, I’m sure MCA, Gerakan, MIC and even the opposition parties will support this Bill.
“But some have resorted to playing the race and religion cards for their own political mileage,” he said.
